Proofreading 3: Progress (e-learning)
About the course
Proofreading 3: Progress consolidates the concepts introduced in Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway, and guides students through more complex general and specialised material, including texts with illustrations, tables, notes and references. It considers strategies for dealing with layout problems such as overmatter and what to do when more than a conventional proofread is required.
The nine varied exercises, covering content from public information to academic texts, provide plenty of scope for practice, including the opportunity to test your proofreading accuracy in the ‘zero tolerance’ challenge. The course is designed for proofreaders with some experience, and students are expected to have a good grasp of the main tasks involved in proofreading and some practical knowledge of carrying them out. This course is suitable for you if:
- you have completed Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway and would like to advance to the next level of the suite
- you already have a good grounding in proofreading, and preferably some experience, but have not completed formal training
- you are returning after a career break, and wish to update, refresh or check your skills.
What the course will teach you
This course develops your existing proofreading skills and knowledge and guides you through more complex general and specialised material. By the time you’ve completed this training, you’ll have confidence in your ability to proofread on paper or on screen. You’ll understand:
- how to tackle more complex general and specialised material
- how to use BSI symbols and PDF Comment tools
- how to deal with layout issues including overmatter
- how to manage text with illustrations, tables, notes and references
- what to do when more than a conventional proofread is required
- what sort of texts your proofreading skills are best suited to
At the end of this course, you will have sufficient knowledge to begin working as a professional proofreader.
Course contents
Unit 1: Are you ready?
Looks at how to cope if copy is not available electronically (or a section of the electronic file has been corrupted) and the typesetter has to rekey it.
Unit 2: Proofreading publications with illustrations
Considers in more detail what the proofreader needs to look out for, particularly when dealing with publications that contain several complex illustrations.
Unit 3: Proofreading tables
Looks at proofreading tables in more detail.
Unit 4: Proofreading notes and references
Expands on proofreading notes and references, looking at some of the more common possible systems and styles.
Unit 5: Zero tolerance
Considers the types of publication that require perfection – a zero tolerance approach.
Unit 6: Proof-editing – when more than a proofread is required
Considers ‘proof-editing’ where you are working in Word and a greater level of intervention is likely to be required, because often the text has not been copyedited.
Unit 7: Adding proof collating to your skills
Looks at proof collation, where you combine everyone’s amendments in a single proof.
Unit 8: Final assignment
Consolidates all that you have learnt on this course and introduces the final assignment.
What skills and tools do you need?
You should understand the basics of proofreading, as taught in Proofreading 1: Introduction and Proofreading 2: Headway.
This course follows British English spelling, grammar and punctuation conventions.
You’ll also need:
- fluency in English
- good knowledge of English grammar
- wide general knowledge
- familiarity with the functions of word processing programs – this course assumes use of MS Word (Office 365)
- familiarity with basic markup (Comment) tools for PDFs – this course assumes knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Prices, timescales and upgrade points
- Member: £235 + VAT
- Non-member: £340 + VAT
- Access to course: 6 months
- Approximate study time to complete: 20–25 hours
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CIEP upgrade points: completion: 2 + pass: 3 (possible total of 5)
Key course features
Structured training
Structured units cover a range of topics relevant to your chosen course.
Self-paced learning
With our e-learning courses, learn when you want at a pace that’s convenient for you.
Training portal
Access your course via our user-friendly online training portal. All e-learning courses are accessible through the portal for six months from the date of enrolment.
Tutor assessment
Get graded assignments and dedicated tutor support on our assessed core skills courses.
Model answers
Certificate
This is a really helpful course. It builds on the learning in PR1 and PR2 within a logical framework. I feel much more confident about applying for work with traditional publishers now that I have successfully completed it.
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